Los Angeles Angels Arizona Fall League Report: Week 1

The Arizona Fall League is underway and the Los Angeles Angels have bundles of talent playing in the league. The Angels sent eight players to Arizona and six of them were top 20 prospects for the organization in 2014. Here are the six top 20 prospects in numerical order: Kaleb Cowart (4), Mark Sappington (9), Trevor Gott (14), Eric Stamets (15), Cal Towey (17), and Nate Smith (18). The Angels also have Chris O’Grady and Chad Hinshaw playing in the league as well.

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All four Angels pitchers have appeared in at least one game, and combined to throw eight and two-thirds innings, allowing only two runs. Both of the runs came off of right-hander Mark Sappington. Nate Smith recorded the only start as an Angels pitcher and pitched three innings, allowed one hit, walked one and struck out two. His next start is scheduled for Friday, October 17 against against Surprise at 12:35 MT. It has been so far, so good for the Angels pitching staff looking to make a name against some of the best talent Minor League Baseball has to offer.

The Angels hitters are a little bit up and down. Number four prospect Kaleb Cowart has struggled to get things going at the plate so far. He has just two hits in 21 at-bats, in five games played to begin the season. Fighting for playing time at the shortstop position is Eric Stamets. He has played in just one game so far, going 2-for-4 with a run driven in. His .500 average leads the team, if you want to take something out of that, but I wouldn’t, just stating a fact.

Chad Hinshaw has shown the most extra-base hit pop on the team. His three doubles is tied for the league lead with multiple players, one of them being highly touted prospect Rusney Castillo out of the Boston Red Sox organization. Hinshaw has totaled five hits in 14 at-bats and has also stolen a base.

Rounding out the Angels in the Arizona Fall League through week one is Cal Towey. He has three hits in 10 at-bats for a clean .300 average so far. One of his hits was for extra-bases, a double, and he has also stolen a base.

That wraps up the week one report from the Arizona Fall League. Look for the report each Monday, as we keep track of all things that are happening in Arizona.